A name like “tennis elbow” may leave you thinking you need to be a sports enthusiast to experience this problem. However, experts estimate that over 90% of people affected with this condition don’t play tennis — or other sports for that matter.
Instead, it develops from repetitive strain that overuses the tendon connecting your elbow and forearm muscles. Basically, any movement that combines twisting or gripping and swinging your forearm, as if you’re handling a racket.
Risk factors for tennis elbow include:
Certain hobbies and professions can also put a lot of strain on your elbow, such as gardening, painting, cooking, cleaning, plumbing, and carpentry.
On the plus side, tennis elbow usually doesn’t cause serious complications or endanger your life. However, it can slow you down, especially if you continue using the injured site before it heals.
Fortunately, cutting-edge treatments like PRP injections offer better and safer solutions for conditions like tennis elbow. Here’s how Dr. Thomas F. Saylor uses PRP at Orthopaedic Care Specialists in North Palm Beach, Florida.
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. This treatment involves separating cytokines and growth factors in your blood into a concentrated formula. These elements play a crucial role in the healing process. When concentrated, Dr. Saylor can inject them directly into the damaged area.
Once in place, PRP gets to work repairing injuries and triggering the healing process. PRP can treat numerous injuries in your body, especially conditions like tennis elbow. And, since the PRP comes from your own body, it usually comes with few risks or adverse reactions.
The best part about PRP is that treatments are straightforward and come with few risks. It all starts with a routine blood draw, after which our team processes your sample in a machine known as a centrifuge. Then, Dr. Saylor administers your injection.
From start to finish, PRP appointments typically take less than an hour and don’t require any downtime. However, Dr. Saylor provides post-treatment instructions on an individual basis.
It’s essential to note that you won’t feel better immediately. Instead, PRP addresses tennis elbow by healing on a cellular level. In most cases, people notice changes in their symptoms after a few weeks. Dr. Saylor could recommend a series of injections to ensure the best results.
Are you struggling with elbow pain? See if PRP can treat your tennis elbow by calling Orthopaedic Care Specialists at 561-260-5993 today to book a consultation with Dr. Saylor.
